Moisture-retentive covering for ointment application

Abstract

A moisture-retentive covering for ointment, such as nitroglycerin, applied for percutaneous absorption includes a flexible frame member having first and second surfaces with adhesive material thereon. A sheet of moisture-impervious material is secured to the first surface of the frame member and entirely covers the first surface and the area prescribed within the frame. A removable backing is secured to the second surface. A tab extends from the sheet of moisture-impervious material to permit the covering to be gripped while the removable backing is peeled away.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are as follows: 
     
       1. A moisture-retentive covering for ointment applied to a portion of a patient's skin to promote hydration of the covered skin and maximizing percutaneous absorption of the ointment, said covering comprising: a flexible frame member defining a prescribed area slightly larger than said skin portion, said frame member having first and second surfaces with adhesive material on each surface;   a sheet of moisture-impervious material secured to said first surface of said frame member by said adhesive material and entirely covering said first surface and said prescribed area;   a removable backing secured to said second surface by said adhesive material and entirely covering said second surface, said removable backing being fabricated from a material which, upon removal from said second surface, leaves the adhesive material substantially intact on said second surface; and   at least one tab extending from said sheet beyond said prescribed area defined by said frame for the purpose of permitting a user to grip the tab while removing said backing.   
     
     
       2. The moisture-retentive covering according to claim 1 wherein said tab is integral with said sheet. 
     
     
       3. The moisture-retentive covering according to claim 1 wherein said backing has the same configuration as said frame and covers only said second surface without covering said defined area. 
     
     
       4. The moisture-retentive covering according to claim 1 wherein said backing covers said second surface and said defined area. 
     
     
       5. The moisture-retentive covering according to claim 4 wherein said backing has a perforated area, said covering further comprising an ointment dose-measuring applicator secured to said frame member and disposed between said sheet and said backing in alignment with said perforated area, whereby detachment of said perforated portion exposes said ointment dose-measuring applicator. 
     
     
       6. The moisture-retentive covering according to claim 5 wherein said applicator is detachably secured to said frame member.